Lukaku does not fear Man Utd competition with Ibrahimovic

Striker Romelu Lukaku thinks having Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the Manchester United squad can only be a benefit for the club and himself.

Tom Webber

08 September, 2017 09:34 IST

Romelu Lukaku is not threatened by Ibrahimovic's return and feels the latter's return will strengthen the team. - Getty Images

Tom Webber

08 September, 2017 09:34 IST

Romelu Lukaku has no fear about battling Zlatan Ibrahimovic for a spot in the Manchester United line-up.

Lukaku has made an impressive start to life at United since his move from Everton in a reported £75million deal, scoring four goals in as many appearances.

However, he will have Ibrahimovic trying to take his place in the team when the Swede, who re-signed at Old Trafford on a one-year deal last month, returns from a knee injury in January.

But the Belgium international is not concerned about losing out, expressing his delight to have a player who has won 31 trophies during an illustrious career in the squad.

Asked if competition with Ibrahimovic could help him improve, Lukaku said: "Of course. You don't fear the competition, you relish it.

"As long as it can make you better, make you win, you relish the challenge all the time.

"I think it [Ibrahimovic's return] is really good for the team. It's good to have another guy in the team that's hungry to win trophies, that's what we want at Manchester United.

"With his character, his personality and also his attributes as a football player he brings us a lot and we will try to help him."

At Old Trafford, Lukaku is playing under Jose Mourinho, who sold him in 2014 during his second spell in charge of Chelsea. However, the 24-year-old is excited to have the chance to work with the Portuguese again.

"I wanted to play for him since I was 11 so when you get another chance like that you don't turn it down and I'm really grateful for the second opportunity," said Lukaku.

"He's always been the same; a man that wants the best out of the players every day. He doesn't give the players time to rest on the pitch, he really wants everyone to fight on the pitch and in training and that's what I like about him.

"He's someone you can talk to and whatever you say he's going to listen to you, so I like that a lot."

Support Sportstar

Dear Reader,

Support our journalism — where text and pictures intermingle so seamlessly — and help us scale up your experience as the world changes around us. Your contribution is vital to our brand of uninfluenced, boots-on-the-ground reportage that’s worth your while. Clickbait sensationalism is not for us, but editorial independence is — we owe it to you.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

Get your daily dose of Sportstar with handpicked stories delivered right to your inbox!